Organisers of the Dundonald Highland Games have warned that this year’s showpiece won’t go ahead unless the playing field used to stage the event undergoes urgent attention.
This year’s event is pencilled in for Saturday, August 6, but concerns over the ground conditions have put question marks over its staging.
Dundonald Highland Games is one of Ayrshire’s premier cultural events.
However, nearby construction work on a new development is said to have taken its toll on the underfoot conditions.
As things stand, Games insiders say the condition that the field has been left in, the Games “cannot currently go ahead.”
Organisers have asked both Dundonald Community Sports Recreational & Heritage Association (DCSRHA) and South Ayrshire Council to “urgently rectify” the issues with the surface conditions.
A spokesperson for Dundonald Highland Games said: “Our voluntary committee are absolutely committed to hosting the 33rd Dundonald Highland Games on the field on Saturday, August 6 and are meeting regularly to discuss and work-through options.”
Chairperson, Elaine McClure said: “We have had several meetings with DCSRHA and we are committed to working with them to make sure that we can host the games on the playing field. We are looking at every option open to us to overcome the access issues, guarantee financial viability and, of course, ensure the safety for vehicle and pedestrian traffic, whatever it takes we will do!
“We will continue to plan for the day and there is a real buzz around the community as we seek nominations for our Queen, Attendants and Junior Chieftain.
“In the coming weeks we will be opening up the stalls applications, the number of stalls and vehicle access maybe be restricted but we will do all we can to make it work for everyone.
“We will need an army of helpers, so please keep an eye on our social media and volunteer where you can.”
If the issues with the field can be rectified, organisers will host their usual games week of activities too, including a car and walking treasure hunt, 10km road race, kids’ fun run, pet show and 7-a-side football competition.
A spokesperson added: “We hope to be able to welcome the local community, overseas visitors and new and old friends to our village to enjoy and celebrate our Highland Games.”
For more information visit www.dundonald-games.org.uk or Facebook- Dundonald Games.
Last year’s event was held virtually due to the pandemic and restrictions at the time over public gatherings.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
